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PAWNS OF WAR 



TB? T^oitaottl) CrotSet 
THE LAST STRAW 



PAWNS OF WAR 



A PLAY 



BY 



BOSWORTH CROCKER iw-xx^^ 



WITH A FOREWORD 



BY 

JOHN GALSWORTHY 



non-referTI 







SlMVAD-QHS 



BOSTON 

LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY 

1918 



352.6 



Copyright, 1918, 
By Little, Brown, and Company. 



All rights reserved 
Published January, '1918 



For rights of production address the author 
in care of Little, Brown, and Company 



m 10 1918 



TYPOGRAPHY BY THZ PLIITPTON PRESS, NORWOOD, IL^SS., U.S.A. 
PRINTED BY S. J. PARKHILL & CO., BOSTON, UAS3., U.S.A. 



©CI.D 48687 



FOREWORD 

THE invasion of neutralised Belgium, according 
to plan, by the "leader of civilisation," in the 
face of an aghast world, was surely the masterpiece 
of cynicism — perhaps the most cynical act and the 
greatest piece of folly the world has ever seen. Strong 
language, if the tale of the world's cynicism and folly 
since the beginning of time be passed in review. Coun- 
tries little and great have been invaded without cause 
time and again, treaties torn up, and all manner of 
bad faith kept. But this is the twentieth century; 
international arbitration is more than a mere notion; 
world communications, wireless telegraphy, flying, 
and other summits of civilisation have been reached. 
And this act was done, this folly committed, by the 
State which through a million tongues and pens 
claimed for itself leadership of the civilised world, 
and the crown of human intelligence. 

Persons possessed by a single idea, even if it be only 
that of their own importance, are perpetually driven 
by it to the doing and saying of what lacks perspec- 
tive and the virtue of proportion. Just proportion 
is the hallmark of true civilisation, as it is the essen- 
tial quality of true art. The invasion of neutral- 
ized Belgium was an act that could only have been 
committed by a nation blinded to all sense of propor- 
tion by the single idea of its own importance. That 



VI FOREWORD 



any European people, at this time of day, should 
thus conceive the notion of being more important 
than their neighbours would make one smile if it 
had not made the whole world weep. In our epoch 
one expects a little more cosmic philosophy than that 
from a great nation. But countless military and 
professional minds and millions of their followers 
had reached a conclusion unbelievably provincial, 
and proceeded to push that conclusion to ends in- 
credibly dreadful. 

The entrance of America into the war is causing 
Germany to search her heart at last for the reason 
why she has no friends, and for the way to remedy 
that state of things. The way is transparently clear: 
Let her democratise herself, and cease to teach pa- 
triotism in her schools. Patriotism should be a free, 
a spontaneous growth, or it becomes mischievous 
provincialism. State-taught patriotism has led to 
Z.'Jthat masterpiece of cynicism, or of blindness — call 
it which you will — that even now staggers the world. 

But the folly of the strategy which conceived that 
masterpiece is only just beginning to be generally real- 
ised. The war would have been won by Germany, and 
all her aims achieved at least two years ago, if only she 
had not invaded Belgium — had stood strictly on the de- 
fensive against France, and at once attacked the old, 
autocratic Russia with all her might. A short war, 
hegemony in the Balkans, and a clear road for her 
schemes in Asia Minor — all that was wanted for the 
moment, all that she had expected to gain without 
having to fight at all, for she never really believed 
that Russia would fight — such would have been 



FOREWORD vii 



the outcome of that "frischer, frohhcher Krieg." No 
comphcations with England, Italy, Japan, America. 
No loss of her colonies, nor forfeiting of the world's 
friendship, no great interruption to her commerce, 
no ruin or starvation for her people. When Prussian 
militarism is killed at last, the word "Belgium" will 
be found graven on its heart. 

"Pawns of War" is a play woven round this mon- 
strous piece of cynicism and folly. It has a sustained 
crescendo . . . very gripping and should play extremely 
well. I congratulate the author on having written 
a play that is so well worth while, so lifelike and so 
forceful. 

John Galsworthy 



PAWNS OF WAR 



CHARACTERS 

Dr. Albert Esterlinck, surgeon and burgomaster of 

Aerschel 
Angela, his wife 
Marianne, their daughter 
Bernard, their son 
RiTTA, their serving-maid 
Father Antoine, a priest 
Jean Groux 
Pierre Navez 
Ackermann, an old man 
Jules Wirtz, a crippled Belgian veteran 
HiESSLiNG, a drunkard 

General Ludwig von Wahlhayn of the German army 
Falkenhorst, General von Wahlhayn's Chief of Staff 
Barnstorff ) members of General von Wahlhayn's 
RiCHTER ) Staff 
German Orderlies 
Belgian Citizens 



in the service of the burgomaster 



THE FIRST ACT 

The scene is laid in Belgium,, in the home of Doctor 
Albert EsterlincJc, surgeon and burgomaster of Aerschel. 
The time is toward the end of summer, 1914-. Two men 
are standing in a long, rather low-ceiled room, talking 
together in cautious undertones. A large ivindow to 
the left. Quaint window seat deep sunk in the thick 
wall. Door back leads to dining room. Door right 
leads to wide hall. At long intervals, people with fire- 
arms pass down this hall; those who carry revolvers lay 
them on a stout table, those with rifles hand them to the 
man behind the table, who stacks them in the corner of 
the hall. In this living room are a handsome cabinet, 
a long Flemish stove, a carved chest, curious brass and 
pewter dishes, and bits of valuable tapestry. 
ACKERMANN {givcs his rifle to attendant, looks into living 

room, salutes Navez and Groux and walks in) 

A bad day's work, this, for Aerschel! 

[_Navez paces up and down the room excitedly. 

GROUX 

The town's ruined. 

ACKERMANN 

Think of it — twenty of our best men shot down 
Uke dogs! 

GROUX 

They got some good work in before they were killed; 
more than one Boche they had picked off. 



6 PAWNS OF WAR 

ACKERMANN ' 

We can thank our stars the whole town wasn't 
wiped out after that. 

NAVEZ 

We can thank the burgomaster. 

ACKERMANN 

Howd'ye Hke this job he's given you, taking our 
rifles away from us? I'd rather he'd ordered me 
shot. And why are we pihng our guns up here? 

GROUX 

They've made an end of the town hall — one whole 
side gutted out. 

NAVEZ 

It's a God's blessing they didn't make an end of 
the burgomaster. 

GROUX 

Time enough yet for that or any other devil's work. 
\_Hies sling slouches in unsteadily behind the little 
group and drops down on the windoio seat. 

ACKERMANN 

Good God Almighty! I can't make it out. We're 
minding our own business, and all of a sudden we're 
dragged into this and blown sky-high. I wouldn't 
mind dying if I could give them all a good dose of 
lead first. 

HIESSLING 

Why — didn' — we — let 'em go — through — 
peaceful . . . 

GROUX 

Shut up, you drunken fool. 

HIESSLING 

Yes — let 'em — go ! Let 'em — go — to hell ! 



PAWNS OF WAR 



[^Swaggers across the room into hall and starts to 
pick up a rifle. 
NAVEZ (peremptorily) 
Take it away from him. 
[^Attendant prevents Hiessling from taking the rifle. 

GROUX 

You'll get run through with a bayonet if you try 
any of those monkey-shines around here. 

HIESSLING 

Goin' — be — soger. 

GROUX 

Where's your gun, Hiessling? 

HIESSLING 

Sold — my — lil — gun — to — Peter. 

NAVEZ 

If Peter wants to keep on living, he'll turn that gun 
in. 

GROUX 

And damned quick, too! 
ACKERMANN (as a gray-haired man limps in) 

Here comes Wirtz; perhaps he'll have something to 
tell us. Well, Wirtz, you're bringing her in, I see. 
{Wirtz hands over his rifle. 

WIRTZ 

I'm bringing her in, I am; after forty years I'm 
giving up my gun. Well, our poor soldiers — God 
knows where they are now! And only God and the 
Boches know what's become of the boys General 
Bergheroff sent out yesterday. 
ACKERMANN (looks eagerly at Groux and Navez) 

They say the burgomaster's youngest son was one 
of them.'' 



8 PAWNS OF WAR 

WIRTZ 

Yes, Baldwin Esterlinck led them all. The lads 
fought for the chance to lead. That was a sight 
to remember. " Who knows the country to the north 
best.''" sings out our general, and every mother's 
son of them yelled out, "I do!" But Baldwin 
Esterlinck, he pushed his way to the front of the 
boys, right under his father's very eyes, and called 
out: "I do. Don't I, Father.?" Doctor Ester- 
linck, he stood still a minute, but he had to answer. 
"You know it well, my son." You should have 
seen the look on him, just as though he'd like to 
grab the boy up and run away with him. Any- 
how, it seemed that way to me. "All right," said 
the general, "then you lead, my boy." He stopped 
short and stared at the ground for a minute, then 
he looked them straight in the eyes. "Boys! Take 
a good look; you may never see Aerschel again." 
They didn't turn a hair, just saluted and huzzaed 
. . . "Ride like the devil!" he called after them. 
And they made the dust fly. Not a lad older 
than sixteen, not a mother's son of them. And 
the burgomaster's son called out to his father, 
"Good-by, Father," as though it was a picnic he 
was going to. 

GROUX 

S-s-h! Here's Mrs. Esterlinck. She's not to know. 
MRS. ESTERLINCK {the hurgomasters wife is a matronly 
woman of forty-three. Good-natured face. Kind gray 
eyes. Brooding, ^perplexed expression) 
Pierre, do you know — 
[S^e stops short on seeing Ackermann and Wirtz. 



PAWNS OF WAR 



WIRTZ 

Well, what do you think, Mrs. Esterlinck, they've 
fired Granny Misch's house. For ten years she's 
worked like a dray horse, worked her poor old fingers 
to the bone to pay off that mortgage, and now only 
the ground is left for her little grandchild, and no 
deed to show for that! 

NAVEZ 

Nobody's going to pick up her land and run away 
with it, as though it was horses. 

GROUX 

Or cows. 

ACKERMANN 

Or food. 

NAVEZ 

Or clothes. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Poor old Granny Misch! 

ACKERMANN 

Who had the mortgage? 

WIRTZ 

Old Tonniquet that owned the smelting works. 
They shot him this morning. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Why do they burn down the houses and kill innocent 
people? 
WIRTZ (bitterly) 

Reprisal, they call it. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

It seems to me just plain murder. If only the 
boys and Marianne would come home. My poor 
Marianne, she's worried to death over Paul. 



10 PAWNS OF WAR 

ACKERMANN {low tone to Wirtz) 

Paul? 
WIRTZ {same tone) 

Paul Donnet. 

ACKERMANN 

Oh, I know — tall, light fellow, captain of his com- 
pany. 

[Wirtz nods. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Yes, only think of it! To-morrow was to be their 
wedding day. They put it off last June on account 
of Bernard. We were all afraid Bernard would 
never get well. 

NAVEZ 

That's one thing you've got to be thankful for. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

If he'd only get his strength back! Yes, Marianne 
and Paul were to be married to-morrow. We 
didn't think then that all this would happen and 
that Paul would be away fighting, we don't know 
where, on the day that was to be his wedding day. 
[Marianne Esterlinck comes in. She is a lithe, grace- 
ful girl with vivid gray eyes now black from excitement. 
Her chin is quivering, and she can hardly speak. 

MARIANNE 

Oh, Mother! 
MRS. ESTERLINCK (startled) 

Marianne! What's the matter? What's happened 
now? 

MARIANNE 

Father's a hostage. They've taken Father as a hos- 
tage. Father! Think of it, Mother — any one — a 



PAWNS OF WAR 11 

drunken man — Hiessling here, can shoot a German 
soldier, and Father pays for it — with his life. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

That can't be possible. 

MARIANNE 

It's true. It's true. One of our own soldiers, 
Leon Neef, told me so. He's been hiding since day- 
break. He got separated from his company when 
our soldiers were driven out. There were German 
soldiers all around. The Donnets took him in and 
hid him in a closet behind boxes and clothes. I 
saw him dressed up as an old woman. Now he's 
got away. He's taking messages to our general. 
He promised me to speak to Paul, if he ever gets 
back to the boys — if he ever does. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

That soldier's crazy. Your father — why, he's 
burgomaster. 

MARIANNE 

And so he's held responsible; they make him re- 
sponsible for everything. Something's going to 
happen to him before it's all over, something's 
going to happen to Father. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

That isn't possible . . . The burgomaster! It 
isn't possible. 

MARIANNE 

Mother, don't you understand — just because he 
is burgomaster. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Going without his meals — no sleep — not a minute 
to himself! 



n PAWNS OP WAR 

MARIANNE 

Somebody'll do some shooting, somebody's bound 
to. How can they help it? It wouldn't be human 
not to. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

But they'll have nothing to shoot with. They're 
bringing in all their arms : we're stacking them down 
cellar. 

MARIANNE 

All of them won't bring them . . . Don't you be- 
lieve it, Mother. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Even Hiessling here. 
[^Pointing to him. 

HIESSLING 

Sol' — my — rifle — to — Peter. 

MARIANNE 

What did I tell you, Mother.? They're keeping 
them back. We might as well say good-by to 
Father. 
MRS. ESTERLINCK (firm in her simple faith) 

But your father's ordered the guns turned in. 
They've got to do what the burgomaster wants. 

MARIANNE 

What do men care for orders when they're driven 
about like wild beasts. They don't want to give 
up their rifles now; they want to use them. , . . But 
they mustn't, they mustn't! And Father helping 
to save those German soldiers! 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

But he's a surgeon, and a surgeon has to do a sur- 
geon's work. 



PAWNS OF WAR 13 

MARIANNE 

I'd let my right hand rot oflF before I'd raise it to 
help one of them. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Oh, Marianne, you say that! 

MARIANNE 

Not if one of them was dying at my feet. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

You say that, Marianne; it's easy to talk, but when 
a man's dying, then you'd do anything for him. 

"WIRTZ 

Don't you think it, Mrs. Esterlinck. When I was 
a lad I had those fine ideas. But I've had a taste 
of war in my time. That was in 1870, for I was 
brought up in France. My leg here, it speaks for 
itself; but for it I'd be tasting blood along with the 
boys yet. But if ever there was hell on earth — 
death and hell ! And it was you or the other fellow. 
You lost what soul you ever had till you or him lay 
flat. Then you remembered, then you got human 
again. Talk about your fine feelings — the dead 
and the dying — you get so used to them you don't 
mind them no more than dead flies. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Where's Baldwin? And Bernard? They ought to 
be at home. Anything might happen . . . 
NAVEZ {calls out from hall) 
Oh, no, Mrs. EsterUnck. 

GROUX 

Your boys are all right. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

I haven't laid my eyes on Baldwin since yesterday 



14 PAWNS OF WAR 

morning. I didn't hear him last night. He went 
without his breakfast this morning. Bernard prom- 
ised to bring him home. Where's Bernard staying 
all this time, hours and hours? 

MARIANNE 

It can't be so long, Mother. It seems longer to 
you than it really is. 

{_Navez, Groux, Wiriz, and Ackermann are in the 
hall, grouped around the table, talking together in low, 
cautious tones. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

And Bernard isn't strong yet; he can't stand much. 

MARIANNE 

Mother, if anything had happened, you'd have 
heard of it by this time. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

It's easy enough to say that. 

MARIANNE 

The boys are all right. But Father! Now they'll 
shoot some Boche in the back, and then Father'll 
be shot. 
MRS. ESTERLINCK {breaking in) 

Who would want to shoot your father, Marianne? 
Isn't he a good man? And the burgomaster. He 
couldn't be spared for a minute. And who would 
look after the wounded? Isn't he surgeon here? 

MARIANNE 

Mother — can't you understand? Father is a hos- 
tage. If there's any more shooting, Father'll be 
shot. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Do you mean to say they'd let them shoot Father? 



PAWNS OF WAR 15 

MARIANNE 

Let them! 
HiESSLiNG {slowly raising himself from the window seat) 
If — th' harm — a — hair — of — his — hie ! — his 
head, hie! — we'll — kill 'em — kill 'em all. Hie! 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

That's quite right, Hiessling. 
ACKERMANN {standing in the doorway) 

Short of eating a square meal, there's nothing I'd 
like better. 

MARIANNE 

No, no, you mustn't say such things. You mustn't, 
I tell you. You're to do as my father wants you 
to do. {To Wirtz who has come into the room, fol- 
lowed by Navez and Groux.) Make them do it, 
Navez, Mr. Wirtz, all of you, make them bring in 
every firearm in town. Make them understand — 
tell them — it's Father's life — my father's life. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK. 

That's only to seare them, Marianne; they wouldn't 
really shoot Father. 

MARIANNE 

You don't know what they'll do to Father. 

BERNARD {hwsts in) 

Mother — I've got to — help — somehow . . . 

MRS, ESTERLINCK 

Wait till you're stronger, Bernard. See — you're 
all of a tremble now. 

BERNARD 

I've got to help, I've got to. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Where's Baldwin.^ Where've you been? 



16 PAWNS OF WAR 

BERNARD 

I'd rather die than stand by and see such things. 
It isn't possible to do nothing ... If / could have 
gone — " 

[He catches Marianne's warning glance and breaks 
off abruptly. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Gone? Gone where? Has Baldwin gone some- 
where? 

MARIANNE 

Bernard, why do you frighten Mother? 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Where's Baldwin? What's become of him? 
BERNARD {wUh assuvicd carelessness) 
Oh, Baldwin's all right. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

I must go out, myself, and look for my boy. 

BERNARD 

Don't worry, Mother, he's big enough to look out 
for himself. 

NAVEZ 

Baldwin's all right. 

BERNARD 

Of course Baldwin's all right. 

MARIANNE 

Wouldn't Father know? 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

It's easy to say that. 

[Navez and Groux go over to Hiessling, rouse him, 

and walk him out between them. 

MARIANNE 

Now don't worry any more about Baldwin. Don't 



PAWNS OF WAR 17 

you think about Father? Don't you think about 
him at all? 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

A burgomaster can take care of himself. But he 
ought to look after his children, too . . . riding around 
with that German general, caring for his men, and 
his own people waiting here! 

MARIANNE 

How can he help it? You said so yourself a 
minute ago: "A surgeon has to do a surgeon's 
work." Plaven't I told you over and over that 
Father's — 
BERNARD {breaks in) 

What's the matter with Father? What are you 
talking about? 

MARIANNE 

But — Bernard — surely you — 

BERNARD 

Marianne! 

MARIANNE 

, Mother knows — I've told her. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Knows what, Marianne? 

MARIANNE 

That Father's a hostage. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

He'll manage all right, he always does. 

MARIANNE 

Yes, he'll manage all right, he'll be shot. It isn't 
what Father does. Mother, it's what the people 
here in town do. Oh! I can't believe that all this 
has happened. {Goes to the window and looks out) 



18 PAWNS OF WAR 

Only yesterday the green grass and the tall trees 
and the fields of yellow corn . . . and now . . . 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Just the same, he ought to be at home — a boy of 
fourteen. 

MARIANNE 

If anything had happened to Baldwin, we'd have 
heard of it. 
MRS. ESTERLINCK {to the men in the hall who are trying 
to persuade Hiessling to go with them) 
Come — all of you. Let the poor fellow come along, 
too. He isn't doing any harm. A bowl of soup'U 
do him good, perhaps. 

\_Mrs. Esterlinck leads the way into the dining room. 
Marianne and Bernard are left alone. 

BERNARD 

God knows what's happened to Baldwin by this time. 

MARIANNE 

What do you mean? What have you heard .f* 

BERNARD 

Listen, Marianne, Mother's not to know this — what- 
ever comes. 

MARIANNE 

Well.? Go on. 

BERNARD 

Father doesn't want her to know. 

MARIANNE 

You know I won't tell Mother. 

BERNARD 

Remember now. 

MARIANNE 

Go on, tell me. 



PAWNS OF WAR 19 

BERNARD 

Well then — Baldwin was one of the boys sent out 
by General Bergheroff. 

MARIANNE 

Yes, yes, I know — 

BERNARD 

You know? 

MARIANNE 

Yes, yes, go on. 

BERNARD 

Baldwin led all the boys. 

MARIANNE 

Our Baldwin ! Think of it ! 

BERNARD 

Yes, tell me to think of it! Father was there when 
they started — the edge of the town just beyond old 
Wirtz's place. 

MARIANNE 

How proud Father must have been. 

BERNARD 

They all begged the general to let them lead. But 
Baldwin, he was the one chosen. {To himself, 
quivering with repressed passion) I should have 
been there. I should have been the one. 

MARIANNE 

And that's all you've got to tell me, Bernard? 

BERNARD 

All? Isn't that enough? You think that nothing 
— to risk his life! 

MARIANNE 

Do I, Bernard? Let me tell you something — I 
knew all about Baldwin from the first, from the 



20 PAWNS OF WAR 

time he heard that General Bergheroff wanted 
scouts. He told me that he meant to go. He kept 
it from you purposely. He didn't want Mother 
to find out. He knew how she'd take it. I tried 
every way to persuade him not to go. For her 
sake. I begged and I pleaded. But I could see 
that he meant to go, 

BERNARD 

It was my place to go, it was my place! 

MARIANNE 

Yes, Bernard, if you'd been strong enough, but — 

BERNARD 

You kept it from me. You took my chance away 
from me. 

MARIANNE 

Baldwin went for your sake — in your place. 

BERNARD 

Yes, in my place. I'm strong enough to ride a 
horse. I'm strong enough to carry a rifle. 

MARIANNE 

How could you go, Bernard, ill as you've been? 

BERNARD 

Why did you keep it from me? Our soldiers driven 
out of town ! . . . our rifles taken away from us ! 

MARIANNE 

Isn't this enough — all this horror? Not one of 
the boys back . . . 

BERNARD 

Not one. 

MARIANNE 

You don't think he's been killed — you don't 
think that? Oh, Bernard! 



PAWNS OF WAR 21 

BERNARD 

The road they took led straight into the enemy, 
straight into the Uhlans — 
MARIANNE (witk quiet despair) 
The Uhlans have them then. 

BERNARD 

Yes — if they're alive. 

MARIANNE 

The Uhlans have them — living or dead. 

BERNARD 

Living or dead. 

MARIANNE 

It will kill Mother. 

BERNARD 

She mustn't find out. 

MARIANNE 

Not at once — not right away. But she's got to 
know — sometime. 

BERNARD 

Yes, yes, when we've heard something. 

MARIANNE 

Oh ! what shall we do ! 

BERNARD 

If he's safe — 

MARIANNE 

Yes — if — 

BERNARD 

Then — then it's time enough for her to know. 

MARIANNE 

But — if he isn't safe.? 
BERNARD (fearfully) 

If he missed the Uhlans — there were the shells. 



22 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE 

Mother's got to know. 

BERNARD 

Not yet! Not yet! 

MARIANNE 

I told her he'd been home. I pulled the bed- 
clothes all apart to make her think he'd been home, 
sleeping. She thinks he went out after Father had 
gone. 

BERNARD 

She keeps asking for him. 

MARIANNE 

All the time. 

BERNARD 

How are we going to let her know the truth? 

MARIANNE 

Oh, I don't know ... I don't know. 

BERNARD 

Father thinks he can keep it from her. 

MARIANNE 

How long.? She's got to know sometime. 

BERNARD 

I can't ever tell her. 

MARIANNE 

No, no, you mustn't. Dear Jesus, isn't this horrible? 
{Enter Father Antaine. He carries a basket) 

BERNARD 

Here's Father Antoine. 

MARIANNE 

Father, we are in great trouble. 

BERNARD 

Yes, Father. 



PAWNS OF WAR 23 

FATHER ANTOINE 

This is indeed great trouble that has come upon us 
all. 

MARIANNE 

Father Antoine, we want you to help us. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

My child, if I can help you in any way. 

MARIANNE 

Father — it's about my brother. 
FATHER ANTOINE {tuTus to Bernard) 
Your brother.? 

BERNARD 

Not me, Father. Baldwin, 

FATHER ANTOINE 

The little brother. 

BERNARD 

Yes, Father, Baldwin. 

MARIANNE 

Oh, Father, we don't know what's happened to him. 

BERNARD 

Not one of the boys the General sent out has been 
seen or heard from — not one ! 

MARIANNE 

And Mother doesn't know that Baldwin was one of 
them. She doesn't know it. 

BERNARD 

Should she be told, Father.? 

MARIANNE 

Shouldn't she, Father, now — before — anything 
worse — happens? 

FATHER ANTOINE 

I think the mother should be told. 



24 PAWNS OF Y^AR 

BERNARD 

But if Father doesn't want — 
MARIANNE (interrupts) 

Yes, now — before it's too late. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

She doesn't know that your brother's in danger? 

BERNARD 

She suspects. But she doesn't know. 

MARIANNE 

Not even that he wasn't at home last night. I 
scattered the bedclothes all around to make her 
think he'd slept in the bed. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

You mustn't deceive her. 

MARIANNE 

Yes, but I'm afraid she can't stand it, Father. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

Every hour that you put it off only makes it the 
harder. 

MARIANNE ' 

Then, Father Antoine, you must tell her. 

BERNARD 

But — if we break the news to her — all at once 
— suddenly — 

MARIANNE 

Father Antoine will know how to tell her, Bernard. 

BERNARD 

Of course, Marianne. 

MARIANNE 

Think, Father Antoine, he led all the other boys. 



PAWNS OF WAR 25 

FATHER ANTOINE 

Whatever happens, you'll have that to remember 
and be proud of. 

MARIANNE 

Mother's whole heart's set on Baldwin. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

The youngest, of course — I understand. 

MARIANNE 

She'll never live through it, if anything happens to 
him. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

She must summon the courage to endure it. 

MARIANNE 

And don't you think, Father, if something hadn't 
happened, we would have heard from the boys by 
now.? 

FATHER ANTOINE 

We mustn't despair. 

MARIANNE 

Father Antoine, if you tell her, it won't be so bad 
then; you can help her to bear it. 

BERNARD 

Yes, Father. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

Call her, my child. I'll ask her first about the food 
and bandages. 
BERNARD (opens the door and calls) 
Mother! Mother! 

£Mrs. Esterlinck comes in. She doesn't see Father 
Antoine at once. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Is it Baldwin? Has Baldwin — 



26 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE 

Father Antoine, Mother. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Oh, Father, I'm sick at heart! That I should live to 
see this day! 

FATHER ANTOINE 

We must help all we can and find our consolation in 
good work. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Marianne, get Ritta to fill Father Antoine's basket. 

MARIANNE 

Yes, Mother. 

[^Marianne goes out with basket. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

And Bernard — bring what bandages are left 
. . . Such want and misery! 
[^Bernard leaves the room. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

We should thank God for the power of helping others 
— as your husband is helping — with our own lives, 
if need be. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Yes, but a man must take care of his children. 
Father. And if my husband's all worn out, how's 
he to help others.'' 

FATHER ANTOINE 

He's a strong man. Daughter, and a wise man. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

He should look after his children . . . How do I 
know what's happening to Baldwin. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

Your children are all good children, brave children. 



PAWNS OF WAR 27 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Brave — that's just it, Father; there's no holding 
them back — not one of them. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

You should be glad of that, Daughter: now is the 
time for courage. 

\Jdarianne returns with Ritta who carries Father 
Antoine's basket. 

RITTA 

Good day, your Reverence. 

FATHER ANTOIXE 

Good day, Ritta. You have filled my basket quickly. 

MARIANNE 

I am sorry there is nothing more to spare to-day. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

But to-morrow morning. Father, you shall have it 
filled again. 

{^Bernard returns with bandages. Mrs. Esterlinck 
puts them in the basket. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

I shall be here with my basket. (Looks into the 
basket) You have given most generously. And 
now, before I go, give me one thing more. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Gladly, Father, anything I have to give. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

What I want you to give me now is your promise 
that you will be brave — as you should be — if 
this trouble at our doors touches you more closely. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

You mean my husband — they've made him . . . 
what is it, Bernard.'' 



28 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE 

A hostage, Mother. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

No, Daughter, I don't mean your husband. For 
him there is nothing but gratitude. He has saved 
the town. 

MRS. ESTERLTNCK 

It isn't my Baldwin you mean? (Sinks back like 
one stunned) It's Baldwin. Baldwin's dead. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

No, but if that were our blessed Lord's will you 
should thank Him that your boy went to a glorious 
death. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

I can't spare him, he mustn't die. 
\_Marianne comes hack. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

Do not think of his death — 

MARIANNE 

He isnH dead. Mother. 

BERNARD 

No, no! 

FATHER ANTOINE 

Do not think of his death or his danger. Think 
only of his courage, leading a band of boys all older 
than he — for our general — your boy of fourteen. 
Doesn't it give you great joy.'* 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

I am afraid. Father, I am afraid. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

Pray for courage, Daughter; think of your son's 
courage. 



PAWNS OF WAR 29 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

O God, O God ! — if he is only alive and comes 
home to me ! 

FATHER ANTOINE 

Be brave, be brave, and submit yourself to the will 
of God. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK (dully) 

Yes, Father. 

FATHER ANTOINE 

[^Father Antoine gets up and takes his basket. (Walks 
toward hall, Mrs. Esterlinck walks by his side) 
Be brave, Daughter, and God bless you. God bless 
you, children. 

Qil/rs. Esterlinck goes into hall with him. 
BERNARD (to Marianne, sinks his voice) 

We shouldn't have told him . . . {As she comes back 
into the room) See how pale she looks. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Some one must go after him; he's only a child. 

MARIANNE 

Don't, don't give up so. Mother. Baldwin'll come 
riding home soon, safe and sound . . . And think, 
Mother, how proud you'll be of him then, 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

It's well enough for you to talk . . . But I know . . . 
Why do they send out boys.'' Are there no grown 
men left in the town? 

BERNARD 

Baldwin always wanted to be a soldier; now he's 
got a soldier's Job. If / had got the chance — 



30 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE (at the window, excitedly, with rejoicing in her 
tone) 
Look! Mother! Bernard! 

BERNARD 

What . . . ? 

MRS. ESTERLINCK (starts up) 

Baldwin , . . ? 

BERNARD 

No, no. Mother. (Mrs. Esterlinch sinks bach in her 

chair) It's Father. 

\jGoes to her and tries to comfort her. 

MARIANNE 

Father! Safe home! Safe home! 

BERNARD 

Mother, you mustn't give up hke this; you mustn't 
let these strange soldiers see you this way. 

MARIANNE 

There are five of them. Two of them are staying 
in the machine. Now they're coming. (She runs 
to her 7nother) Be brave, IMother, as Father Antoine 
said. Think of poor, poor Father. 
DR. ESTERLINCK (sumvioning Navez and Groux to him 
as he enters the living room) 

Pierre! Jean! Get ready for dictation. Half a 
minute now. 

]\Marianne runs up to him. He embraces her. Then 
he embraces his toife, ivho gazes past him toward the 
hall door. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Who are these strange men? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

General von Wahlliayn and his Staff . . , 



PAWNS OF WAR 31 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

The German general. . . ? 
DR. ESTERLINCK (a caution in his tone) 

They're going to make the house headquarters, 

Angela. 
BERNARD (under his breath) 

Headquarters — here ! 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Our house! 
MARIANNE {cautiously) 

These strange soldiers ! Oh, Father ! 
BERNARD (bitterly, under his breath) 

We take them into our own house — do we? 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

And my Baldwin lying out in the woods dead, per- 
haps . . . And who knows . . . perhaps one of these 
very soldiers — 

MARIANNE 

Mother! 

BERNARD 

Father, do we have to have these men here, here 
in the house with us.'' 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

S-s-h! my son! Walls have ears. 
[General von Wahlhayn and Falkenhorst, his Chief 
of Staff enter. Falkenhorst looks at Marianne ad- 
miringly, then turns back to talk with Richter and 
Barnstorff'. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

While my family looks after your comfort, General 
von Wahlhayn, I will dictate the proclamation for 
my people. 



32 PAWNS OF WAR 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Warn them well. Make them understand there's 
to be no more trifling. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

My wife, your Excellency. {General von Wahl- 

Jiayn bows formally) 

\^Mrs. Esierlinck acknoivledges his silent salutation 

with a timid bow 

My son and daughter. 

[^All bow silently. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Make the proclamation clear. Put it plainly: 

If any member of any household is found firing at 

my soldiers, all the members of that household 

shall be put to death. 

[Dr. Esterlinch and General von Wahlhayn step 

back into the hall. 
MRS. ESTERLINCK (in a tone of dazed despair) 

All! All! 
MARIANNE (in a tense undertone) 

The innocent with the guilty . . . (as her father comes 

in, same tone) That man — what he said — just now 

— it's horrible — 
DR. ESTERLINCK (witJi a look and gesture he silences 

her. To his icife) 

Angela, get what you can for them to eat. 

BERNARD 

Feed them, too . . . 
DR. ESTERLINCK (to Bernard) 
You show them up-stairs. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Let Ritta — 



PAWNS OF WAR 33 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

No. 
MARIANNE (suddenly) 
Not Baldwin's room! 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

No, no, not Baldwin's room! 

{^Marianne leads her mother into the dining room. 
Barnard conducts General von Wahlhayn and his 
Staff upstairs. 

DR. ESTERLINCK (scats himself at a table in the front of 
living room, calls out to his men) 
Pierre ! Jean ! 

{J^avez and Groux come in, and he motions to them 
to sit down. 

DR. ESTERLINCK (begins to dictate the proclamation) 
Every attack on German troops by others than the 
military in uniform not only exposes those who may 
be guilty to be shot, but will also bring further 
terrible consequences on leading citizens now held 
as hostages by the commander of the German 
troops, and on the burgomaster who — is — himself 
— a — hostage . . . 

(Pauses in his dictation as Wirtz followed by Bernard 
enters from hall, catches the expression on Wirtz's 
face) 

BERNARD (intensively) 

What's the — what have you heard, Wirtz? 

Dr. Esterlinck 

[^Taking up the dictation, repeats: 
Himself — a — hostage . . . (Goes on quickly:) Cer- 
tain inhabitants of Aerschel having made various 
attacks upon the German troops, the Commander 



34 PAWNS OF WAR 

General has already caused houses to be burned 

down and twenty leading citizens to be shot. 

Therefore: All inhabitants are hereby warned — 
WIRTZ {breaking in on the dictation) 

We've got word, Dr. Esterlinck. 

[^Dr. Esterlinck remains silent. 
BERNARD {cries out) 

Father! You hear! 

WIRTZ 

About your boy — he wouldn't surrender — so — 

BERNARD 

He's dead, Baldwin's dead! 

WIRTZ 

They shot him — he wouldn't give up. 
\^Dr. Esterlinck's face works convulsively, he grips the 
table; gradually he regains an appearance of com- 
posure. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Pierre . . . Jean ... let us ... go on .. . with the dic- 
tation . , . 

{^Bernard steals up to the stack of revolvers on the table 
in the hall, and, unseen, slips a revolver into his pocket. 

CURTAIN 



THE SECOND ACT 

Scene is the same as in Act I. 
MARIANNE (alone tvith her father in the living room. 
Voices of General von Wahlhayn and the members 
of his Staff are heard from the dining room. Some 
one sings snatches of German songs) ; 
Father, how can you stand it to hear those men 
laughing and singing in there? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

We stand what we have to stand. 
MARIANNE {passionately) 

I wish every mouthful would choke them — choke 
them — They've killed my brother — killed Bald- 
win. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

S-s-h, Marianne! You've got to stop this. It 
won't do — my child. 
MARIANNE (keeping back the tears) 

Father — I must talk to some one. I can't stand 
it any longer — all alone . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

My poor child! 

MARIANNE 

Baldwin's been killed . . . and now — Paul — he'll 
be the next one. And not a soul to talk to . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Women know best what to say to young girls. 



36 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE 

I can't talk to Mother now. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

She's had a blow she'll never get over. 

MARIANNE 

Father — it seems selfish, of me, I know, to think 
of myself — at such a time — But I'm frightened 
to death about Paul. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Time enough, child, when troubles come. Don't 
go to meet them halfway. 

MARIANNE 

Father, I can't help it. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Try to comfort your mother a little now. 

MARIANNE 

Don't think I'm forgetting — Baldwin — or Mother 
. . . But this worry about Paul — all to myself — it 
seems as though it would kill me . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Think of your mother — how's she's loved you all 

— and worked and worried — all these years -*- 

MARIANNE 

I do think of her. I think of her — and of Baldwin 

— all the time. But it doesn't help, Father, it only 
makes it worse. And the worry about Paul keeps 
right on. Couldn't you get some word — 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

If anything had happened, we'd have had word. 

MARIANNE 

You won't keep it from me — you'll tell me — 
won't you, Father? 



PAWNS OF WAR 37 

DK. ESTERLINCK 

Yes, Marianne. 

MARIANNE 

Whatever happens? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Yes. There, don't cross your bridges till you get 
to them. 

MARIANNE 

Anything — anything — but this suspense. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Where's your mother? 

MARIANNE 

Up-stairs. She went to change her dress. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Where's Bernard ! ? 

MARIANNE 

He went up-stairs too. 
DR. ESTERLINCK (deeply troubled) 

I don't like the way she's taking it. She mustn't 
be left alone too much. 

MARIANNE 

She hasn't slept since we first heard of the danger 

— before the Germans got here. She was afraid 

— afraid for Bernard — and for Baldwin. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

God knows what's going to happen next. 

MARIANNE 

No sleep . . . She can't go on this way. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

After a while — I'll give her something . . . Where's 
Bernard? 



38 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE 

Upstairs with Mother. (Looking at him anxiously) 
You asked me that once before. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Yes, — I've got Bernard on my mind to-night. 

MARIANNE 

Why, Father? Why are you worrying about Ber- 
nard? He's safe. He's getting along all right. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Bernard's got wrong notions in his head. 

MARIANNE 

Wrong notions? What do you mean, Father? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

He's a boy with a man's courage and a girl's strength. 
And he's drunk with hate now — hate and rage 

— drunk with it, weak as he is. 

MARIANNE 

Father, you can't blame him — you can't. When 
I think of Baldwin — and look at these strange 
soldiers — I want to drive them away — somehow 

— out of our tow n — out of our sight — off of our 
land — ours ! 

DR. ESTERLINCK (cautions her) 

Marianne, Marianne! 
MARIANNE (in a choked voice) 

Father, I've never held a weapon in my hand, but 

when I look at these men — I — could — kill ... I 

want to kill them. I, myself . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

You've got to control yourselves — you and Ber- 
nard. Your one thought must be the safety of 



PAWNS OF WAR 39 

Aerschel — the safety of our people. For that I'm 
responsible — I must answer. 

MARIANNE 

Nothing's going to happen to you, Father: nothing 
shall happen. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Law and order — that's the thing ! 
MARIANNE {sinking her voice) 

And we have to stand it.^* There's no way? Our 
soldiers can't drive them out.f* 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

No . . . We've got to do the best we can. 

MARIANNE 

Our poor country ! 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Law and order! That's the way to love our country 
now — now that we're helpless. We mustn't throw 
our people's lives away. Besides — you can't spare 
me yet awhile — not till Paul comes back — can you? 
MARIANNE (goes wp to him and puts her arm around his 
neck) 
As if I could ever spare you! 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

And your mother couldn't spare me — even then. 

MARIANNE 

Oh, Father, you know the German general wouldn't 
harm you. See how he treats you. How about the 
man that shot one of his soldiers in the back? Noth- 
ing happened to you. Weren't you a hostage then? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Child, General von Wahlhayn has a heart. He 
shut his eyes to that. That happened once. It 



40 PAWNS OF WAR 

won't happen again. Another time, and I pay. 
Reprisal — that's orders. And orders are orders. 

MARIANNE 

Father, don't talk about it. I can't bear to think 
about it. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Did your mother eat any supper? 

MARIANNE 

No, she hasn't taken a mouthful since breakfast. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Your brother's death has stunned her. 

MARIANNE 

You're going to look for Baldwin. You're going to 
try to find him? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

If it's possible — to-morrow — at daybreak. 

MARIANNE 

If Mother could only see him — perhaps then . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

That would be the hardest thing of all for her to bear. 

MARIANNE 

No, for then she'd realize that he is dead. 
\_Mariannes voice chokes. She breaks down. Dr. 
Esterlinck sits with bowed head. 
MARIANNE {swollowing a sob) 

She's kept calling him softly — to herself — all 
day long — just as though she didn't know. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

She must have some sleep to-night. I'll give her 
something. 

MARIANNE 

Who's that laughing so loud? 



PAWNS OP WAR 41 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

That man — Falkenhorst — the General's Chief of 
Staff. 
MARIANNE {sliudders as the laughter grows louder) 
Oh ! how can they ! 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

He must be drinking. 

MARIANNE 

Hasn't the general eyes.' Can't he see? 
\_There is a fresh outburst of laughter. 

MARIANNE 

Why doesn't the general stop them? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

He isn't noticing. He's thinking about something 
else. 

MARIANNE 

Perhaps he's drinking, too. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

No, he's not that kind. 

MARIANNE 

He ought to watch his men. Perhaps they'll all 
get drunk. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

No. The Chief of Staff had been drinking before 
dinner. 

MARIANNE 

He'll frighten Ritta — the way he's acting. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Oh, the man's not drunk. But keep Bernard out 
of his way while I'm gone. 

MARIANNE 

Oh, Father — you're not going to leave us. 



42 PAWNS OF WAR 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

The general wants to look at — a — position — 

MARIANNE 

This German general! 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Yes. 

MARIANNE 

And you have to go! 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

There's nothing to fear. We'll not be long. I'm 
worn out. I've got to sleep to-night. 

MARIANNE 

And to-morrow you'll look for — Baldwin. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

To-morrow — at dawn. The general must give 
me a passport. 

MARIANNE 

But — if you're a — hostage, Father. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

It's got to be done. I'll speak to General von 
Wahlhayn — to-night. 

MARIANNE 

Here's Mother coming — and Bernard. 
\^The burgomaster steps fonvard to meet his wife and 
takes her in his arms. She seems strangely impas- 
sive. He looks at her closely. 

BERNARD {anxiously) 

Father — if Mother could manage to get a little 
rest . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK {sinking his voice) 
I'll see to that — now — before I leave . . . 



PAWNS OF WAR 43 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Are you going for Baldwin? He ought not to lie 
out there in the woods alone. 
BERNARD (to Ms father) 

I can't stand this. I can't — I tell you. I'll get 
away — somehow . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

You're anxious to be shot, my boy. Wait a little. 

Give your mother a little time to get over your 

brother's death, first. 
BERNARD (despairingly) 

Look at her! 
DR. ESTERLINCK (to his wife) 

You've put on your black silk gown. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Baldwin always liked to see me in this. 
\_The door of the dining room is opened by Richter. 
Falkenhorst and Barnstorff are seen to rise and stand 
at attention. They salute General von Wahlhayn 
as he passes into the living room. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

I regret that you and your family could not give us 
the honor of your company. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Under the circumstances your Excellency will ex- 
cuse us . . . my son's death . . . Naturally, my wife . . . 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

I understand . . . Make no apology. 
GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN (addresses Mrs. Esterlinck) 
I make you my compliments on your hospitality. 
(He turns to the burgomaster) But you will do me 



44 PAWNS OF WAR 

the favor to lock up your wine. {He calls his men) 

Richter! Barnstorff! 

[r/je men enter, salute and stand at attention. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

The proclamations ! 

\_They salute again and pass into the hall. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Now, Dr. Esterlinck — be so good ... in a few 
minutes . . . We will wait . . . 

\^He goes out. A copy of the proclamation has 
fallen to the floor. Bernard (has picked it up and 
is reading it to himself as he comes into the living 
room. Suddenly, with repressed passion he reads 
aloud: All inhabitants are hereby warned that if 
any civilian member of any household makes fur- 
ther assault upon the troops of occupation quartered 
upon such household, all members of that household 
shall be put to death . . , 
MARIANNE {fearfully) 

All will be put to death . , . The innocent with the 
guilty . . . How can he do such things! 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

He is a general, and this is war, 

MARIANNE 

That Chief of Staff — isn't he going, too? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

The man isn't fit to go. The general must see that. 

MARIANNE 

So he's to stay here — alone . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

There are orderlies all around. Oh, the man's 
not really drunk. Let him alone. 



PAWNS OF WAR 45 



BERNARD 

Don't be afraid, Marianne. I can look out for him. 
[^The burgomaster and his daughter exchange glances. 
DR. ESTERLiNCK (tums to his wife) 

My poor Angela! Go up and rest. Try to get 
a little sleep. 

[^Mrs. Esterlinck does not seem to have heard the bur- 
gomaster. 

MARIANNE 

Mother! 

l^Mrs. Esterlinck pays no attention. 
MARIANNE (sharply) 

Mother! 
MRS. ESTERLINCK (a little querulously) 

What is it? 

MARIANNE 

Father's speaking to you. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Don't you think you ought to go up and lie down? 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

No, no, Albert. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

And you don't eat . . . 

MARIANNE 

Let me get you a cup of tea. Mother. 
[^Forgetting, she starts to enter the dining room. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Don't go in there. You go — Bernard — through the 
hall. (He hands Bernard a tablet) Tell Ritta not to 
go into the dining room now — till he leaves. (Sinks 
his voice. To Marianne) See that she gets it all. 
(To his wife) Drink your tea and lie down, Angela. 



46 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE (stopping him in the doorway) 
Father . . . Must you go ... ? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

There's no help for it . . . Whatever the general com- 
mands — I must do. 
[^The burgomaster goes out. 
MARIANNE (goes over to her mother and takes her hand) 
Mother! 

l^Mrs. Esterlinck sits passively and lets her hand rest 
in Marianne's. After a minute the door to the 
dining room is opened wide, and Falkenhorst, the 
Chief of Staff, appears in the doorway. He is hold- 
ing a glass of wine in his hand. He lifts the glass 
and looks at it. 

FALKENHORST 

Meine Damen und Herren — prosit! 
[^Falkenhorst laughs, lifts the glass to his lips, and 
drains it: then he lets it fall. Mrs. Esterlinck gazes 
at him with a strange, calm gaze. Marianne utters a 
little cry; Falkenhorst goes up to her. She stands 
quite still. Suddenly he lifts her hand to his lips. 
She withdraws her hand slowly, a storm of hatred 
gathering in her eyes. 

FALKENHORST 

Such black looks do not go well with so pretty a 

face, Frmdein. 

\_She tries to pass by him. He blocks her way. 

MARIANNE 

Oh ! ... If you please . . . 

FALKENHORST 

Why are you not calm? I mean you no harm. 



PAWNS OF WAR 47 

MARIANNE 

I am not afraid .... 
[_Falkenhorst laughs. 

MRS. ESTERLiNCK {as thougJi awokening suddenly to a 
sense of the situation) 
Marianne ! 

\_Falkenhorst looks from Mrs. Esterlinck to the wine 
glass on the floor, stares at it a little while, and then 
goes hack into the dining room. Marianne, using 
the door as a screen, slowly pushes it to. Bernard 
returns by way of the hall. He carries a cup of tea. 

MARIANNE {to Bernard, who starts to speak) 
S-s-h ! He's been in here — that man . . . 

BERNARD (clcnches his fists) 
If I could — 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Be still, Bernard. We must give up to them. 
Baldwin was the jBrst. You'll be the next. Then 
Father. What will happen to Marianne? I am 
an old woman. It doesn't matter about me. 

MARIANNE 

Old? You're not old. 

BERNARD 

What are you talking about, Mother? You're a 
young woman. Old at forty -three! 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

What happens to me doesn't matter. But you and 
Marianne . . . 

BERNARD 

If we were men ! 



48 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE 

What can we do — so few of us — and a great army 
of them . . . 

BERNARD 

Here, Mother — you must drink your tea. 

\^Mrs. Esterlinck pays no attention. 

MARIANNE 

Mother . . . what are you thinking about? 
BERNARD (holding the cup to his mother's lips) 
Here, Mother. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK ' 

I want my boy back, Baldwin, my little boy. 

BERNARD 

I'd be glad to change places with him for your sake, 
Mother. 

MARIANNE 

Baldwin's been spared all this. You can be glad 
of that, Mother. 

BERNARD 

Take the rest of the tea, now. There's only a 
mouthful left. 

[^Mrs. Esterlinck drinks it. Bernard puts the cup and 
saucer on the table beside which Marianne has just 
sat down. 
MARIANNE {who Jias buricd her face in her hands, gives 
a start of nervous terror at the clatter of the cup in 
the saucer) 
Ugh! 

BERNARD 

Why — what — 

MARIANNE 

Bernard . . . the way that man looked at me! 



PAWNS OF WAR 49 

BERNARD 

Marianne, you must go up-stairs — you and Mother. 

MARIANNE 

And leave you here with a drunken man — all alone? 
No, Bernard, I'll take Mother up, but I'm coming 
down again to stay with you. 

BERNARD 

You mustn't come down again, you mustn't. 
\JFrom the direction of the dining room comes the pro- 
longed sound of the clicking of a knife against a glass. 
Bernard and Marianne listen anxiously. 
MARIANNE (wi a half-whispcr) 

He wants something more to drink. 

BERNARD 

He'll not get it. 
RITTA (hurries in) 

He's calling me — that man. He wants more wine. 
He's emptied the bottle. (Ritta has been speaking 
to Mrs. Esterlinck, who pays no attention to her: now 
she turns to Marianne) Miss Marianne, — I can't 
go in there — to him. 

MARIANNE 

No, Ritta, you needn't go. Pay no attention to him. 

RITTA 

He'll be coming into the kitchen next. 

MARIANNE 

Bolt the door, Ritta. 

RITTA 

Eating us out of house and home . . . There'll be 
nothing left for Father Antoine. 
\_The clicking begins again. 
Hear that! 



50 PAWNS OF WAR 

BERNARD 

Let him keep it up till he gets tired, 

MARIANNE 

Oh, I do hope Father'll be back soon. 

BERNARD 

Bolt the kitchen door, Ritta. 

MARIANNE 

Can't you stay out of the kitchen, Ritta? 

RITTA 

The dishes are piled that high, Miss. 
\^She indicates. 

MARIANNE 

Never mind, Ritta . . . You go up-stairs with Mother 
. . . Stay with her a while. Now, Mother, Ritta'U 
take care of you. 
\_Bernard helps his mother up. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

I don't need Ritta. I'd rather be alone. 
£Sound of rapping on the table. 
falkenhorst's voice 

Hey, there ! You there ! . . . 

MARIANNE 

He's getting ugly. 

BERNARD 

You go up, too, Marianne. 
MARIANNE (firmly) 
No. 

See that Mother lies down, Ritta. 
\l\Irs. Esterlinck and Ritta go out. 

BERNARD 

How long's that man going to stay in the dining 
room! 



PAWNS OF WAR 51 

MARIANNE 

If he'd only go up to his room . . . He'd soon fall 

asleep with all the wine he's taken. 

[They sit down together in the shadow. Falkenhorst 

can he heard talking to himself in the dining room. 

Marianne and Bernard remain silent, listening. 
FALKENHORST {rapping on the table and raising his voice) 

Hey, there! . . . You there! . . . Another bottle! 

{A minute passes) Hey, there! . . . You, there! . . . 
HiTTA (who has come down-stairs again, steals to the 

door. Cautiously) 

Miss Marianne! . . . Are you there? 
MARIANNE (coming forward to Ritta. Softly) 

Yes, what's the matter, Ritta? 

RITTA 

She won't undress, and she won't lie down, and 
she wants me to go on with the work. She doesn't 
mind that man. 

BERNARD 

You go on up, Marianne. 

MARIANNE 

Let her alone. She'll fall asleep after a while. 

RITTA (stoutly) 

Then I'll go back to my work. 

MARIANNE 

If you're not afraid . . . 

RITTA 

Afraid! . . . He'll not break the door down, I guess. 
[_Ritta passes quietly down the hall. Falkenhorst is 
heard walking about in the dining room. His steps come 
nearer. Marianne and Bernard fall back into the shadow 
as the Chief of Staff opens the door and walks in. 



52 PAWNS OF WAR 

FALKENHOKST (lavghs to himself. Aloud) 

Meine Damen und Herren — 'prosit! 
MARIANNE {to Bernard, in a half-whisper) 

He's at that again . . . 

\_Falkenhorst stands between door to dining room and 

door to hall. 
BERNARD {to Marianne) 

For the love of God . . . get out of the room. 
MARIANNE {same low, tense voice) 

No. I feel safer here with you. 

BERNARD 

Look at the man . . . 

MARIANNE 

He's drunk all right. 

BERNARD 

Yes, he mustn't see you . . . 

MARIANNE 

I'm not afraid. 

BERNARD 

You mustn't be. 

MARIANNE 

What could happen? 
BERNARD {in a half-ichisper) 

The way he looked at you — Marianne — before . . . 
How was it.f* 

MARIANNE 

He kissed my hand. 

BERNARD 

You must slip out quietly before he sees you. 

MARIANNE 

If you could get him away from the door . . . 



PAWNS OF WAR 53 

BERNARD 

I'll speak to him . . . then you slip out. 
MARIANNE Qiolds Mm back) 
No, no, Bernard . . . wait. 

BERNARD 

Marianne ... he mustn't see you . . . 

MARIANNE 

Why don't they come back.'' Why don't they come? 

BERNARD 

S-s-h ! Now — while his back is turned — go ! 
\_Marianne crosses the room softly: just as she reaches 
the hall door, Falkenhorst wheels into her path. 

FALKENHORST 

Ah, so . . . you are here — gnddiges Frdulein? (She 
tries to push past him: then reconsiders arid stands 
perfectly still, looking at him with what sternness she 
can command. He takes her hand and raises it to his 
lips with an elaborate show of gallantry. She draws 
herself up to her full height, and, looking him steadily 
in the eyes, shakes off his hold. Bernard, who has come 
up to Falkenhorst, makes a menacing movement which 
the Chief of Staf either does not see or chooses to disre- 
gard) So! . . . You do not like me, Frdulein? 
[He takes her hand again. She tries to break away. 

MARIANNE 

Don't! 
BERNARD (pale and sullen) 
Stop! 

{Falkenhorst lets go of her hand and makes her a low 
bow. 

FALKENHORST 

Do not be afraid. 



54 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE 

I am not afraid. 

FALKENHORST 

That is good — very good — that I like. Not 
afraid — eh? Why are you in such a hurry to get 
away from me.-* 

MARIANNE 

Let me pass — if you please. 
BERNARD {Tuokes a move as though to free Marianne's 

wrist from Falkenhorsfs grasp) 

Don't you understand.'' Let my sister pass. What 

right — 
MARIANNE (in a sharp whisper) 

Bernard ! 
FALKENHORST (without looking at Bernard) 

She can speak for herself, junger Herr. 

\_Marianne restrains Bernard. 

FALKENHORST 

Not afraid! . . . Good! . . . You may pass, gnddiges 
Frdulein. 

IJHe salutes and stands at attention. She turns to go. 
At the same moment Falkenhorst observes Bernard's 
menacing attitude. 
FALKENHORST (with a short, ironic laugh) 

Good night! . . . First you will bid me good night. 

MARIANNE 

Good night. 

FALKENHORST 

Your hand, gnddiges Frdulein. 
ZHe takes her hand. 
BERNARD (springs at him) 
Let go — I tell you. 



PAWNS OF WAR 55 

MARIANNE 

Bernard ! 

FALKENHORST (ignoring Bernard) 

Frdulein — gnadiges Frdidein — our maidens are 
good to look at, but they have not such a little 
devil shining in their eyes. Not afraid — No? 
. . . Not afraid of me? 

MARIANNE (ivaving Bernard back) 
No, I'm not afraid. 

FALKENHORST 

Such a pretty hand! . . . Not afraid? . . . And you 
have a pretty mouth, Frdulein. Suppose — now 
— I — take — a little kiss . . . 

[^Marianne starts back. The Chief of Staff pids his 
arm around her and strains her to him, kissing her 
fiercely as he drags her toward the door. Marianne 
breaks away. He follows her. Bernard walks 
stealthily after him with drawn revolver. There is a 
confused sound of footsteps. 

Marianne's voice (muffled from the hall) 
Oh! — don't! . . . 

\_There is the report of a revolver and the dull thud of 
a falling body. Then a moment's silence. JVith 
hands raised, palms oidward, covering her eyes, 
Marianne walks backwards into the room. 

RiTTA (comes in) 

What was that, Miss Marianne? 

MARIANNE (slowly lowering her hands) 
S-s-h! 

RITTA 

My heart stood still. I thought some one was 
shot. 



56 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE 

S-s-h! Ritta . . . Yes — he's dead — that man! 

RITTA 

Dead! 

MARIANNE 

Ritta! ... if they've heard ... if they come in . . . 
nothing's happened . . . here ... It was outside 
. . . somewhere — that shot. 

\_Marianne and Ritta stand together, straining their 
ears for the sound of approaching footsteps. Mari- 
anne's attitude is one of agonized suspense. 

RITTA 

They're not coming . . . They didn't notice ... So 
much shooting all the time . . . They couldn't tell 
where — 
MARIANNE (to Bernard, who comes in slowly, peering 
into the shadows, in a tense whisper) 
Where have you . . . ? 

BERNARD 

I dragged him away from the banisters . . . He was 
too hea\'y — to lift, 

MARI.\NNE 

The revolver, Bernard? 

BERNARD 

In Baldwin's room. 

MARIANNE 

You must get away now — before they come . . . 
You, too, Ritta. When they find out . . . (suddenly 
remembering) Bernard! Bernard! — the proclamation!! 
— Save yourself! Ritta — get away — go the back 
way — to the Neefs. Tell them — 



PAWNS OF WAR 57 

BERNARD 

Listen . . . ! 
BERNARD Qioarsely) 
They're coming! 

MARIANNE 

Why don't you go — go — go! 

BERNARD 

Go? . . . Where? ... I'd be stopped. I've no pass- 
port. 
\_Marianne 'pushes Ritta toward the door. 

MARIANNE 

Follow Ritta . . . The back door . . . Quick! ... To 
the Neefs! 

BERNARD 

No. 
MRS. esterlinck's VOICE (from a distance, calling 
faintly) 
Marianne! 

MARIANNE 

Mother — calling ! (Sound of heavy footsteps approach- 
ing) Put out the candles over there — you're so 
white . . . 
MRS. esterlinck's VOICE (from a distance, calling again) 
Bernard! Bernard! 

MARIANNE 

Hide yourself — Bernard — for the love of God . . . 

[^Footsteps come nearer. The outer door is heard to 

open. 
RITTA (pulling Bernard by the arm) 

Come! Come! 
MRS. esterlinck's VOICE (stronger than before) 

Marianne! Bernard! 



58 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE 

Go, Bernard! 
MRS. esterlinck's VOICE (comes nearer) 
Bernard ! Bernard ! 
[^Bernard starts to go to his mother. 

MARIANNE 

No, no, save yourself ! Go ! 

BERNARD 

She'll come out . . . She'll see . . . 
^As Dr. Esterlinck and General von Wahlhayn emerge 
from the darkness into the semi-darkness, Ritta runs 
down the hall, and Marianne hurries upstairs. 
Bernard retreats to the farthest corner of the room. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

No light! {He strikes a match and lights the candle 
nearest him. To General von Wahlhayn, anxiety 
and surprise in his tone) 
There is blood on your hand. You are hurt. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

I felt a stinging pain in my wrist here — and then 

— nothing more. 

£Dr. Esterlinck makes a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

This is a bad business. (Calls) Bernard! (No 
answer. He calls again sharply) Bernard! (Bernard 
comes slowly across the room. He is pale and strangely 
shaken) Here — hold that — this way — so. (He 
tightens the tourniquet. To the general) Hold up 
your arm . . . higher. 
GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN (lifting his arm) 
Like this? 



PAWNS OF WAR 59 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

The forearm will do. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

So. . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Rest your elbow on your knee . . . Prop it up with 
your right hand. 

GENERAL VON W^AHLHAYN 

It bleeds all right — doesn't it? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

One minute now — that will stop. {To Bernard) 
Put your finger so. Now press. Press hard. 
That's the way. The large vein is cut. Some 
stitches must be taken. {Lifts a candle and looks 
about. Goes into the dining room a moment) All 
this confusion and no hght . . . 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Can't you find what you need.? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

In the dark . . . Everything topsy-turvy . . . 

GENERAL VON W^AHLHAYN 

Let it go till morning. 
DR. ESTERLINCK {points to toumiquet) 
Can you stand that all night? 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

I've stood worse things. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Just the same, in about ten minutes you could have 
bled to death . . , 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Bad as that? 



60 PAWNS OF WAR 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Yes . . . When were you hit? 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

You heard the shot — when those two men ran by 
— just as we stood up. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

I must have more light. Bernard, can't you get 
a httle more Hght here.'' 
BERNARD {in a voice divested of all expression) 
Orders were — no hghts. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

I had forgotten. Lights are all off. Bring more 
candles. And call your mother — no, not your 
mother — call Marianne. 

[^Bernard takes his fingers off the tourniquet suddenly. 
The burgomaster springs forward. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Bernard! . . . Look out! 
[He tightens the tourniquet. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

It isn't a pleasant business for him — this helping 
me. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

My son has had a long sickness. He isn't strong 

yet. Otherwise — 

[_The burgomaster checks himself. 

GENERAL VON W^AHLHAYN 

Yes, otherwise? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

He's crazy to be a soldier. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

You'd like to keep one son. 



PAWNS OF WAR 61 



DR. E8TERLINCK 

We are a little country, and if our sons are needed 

— however hard — 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

I had three sons when I was given my command. 
Two fell before Liege. The other, in the East 

— at Allenstein. Now — I — have — none. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Yes, yes, keep your arm up . . . 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

I don't know where they're buried. I don't know 
what happened — at the last . , . 
DR. ESTERLINCK (setting his teeth. In a low voice) 
A man mustn't let himself think about such things. 
It takes all the strength away. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

I only know one thing — they were all proud to die — 
DR. ESTERLINCK (interrupting. Quietly) 

Turn a little to the left — please . . . My boy was 
only fourteen. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

If I could give my three boys all over again — I 
would . . . 
DR. ESTERLINCK (grimly) 
I have still this one boy. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Yes, I would give all my boys — once more — for 
the cause. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Your Excellency — every man's country is his cause. 
ZThe general leans back suddenly. 



62 PAWNS OF WAR 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Are you faint? 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

It isn't much ... a little dizzy. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

You've lost so much blood. When the candles 
come — (Calls) Bernard ! Bernard ! 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

How comes it that you are a surgeon? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

For four generations one son has been a surgeon. 
My father was burgomaster before me. He was 
a surgeon too. He sent me to the Sorbonne. This 
was my father's house — the very furnishings here — 
And Baldwin, my boy — that's — (His voice breaks 
off) he was to go to the Sorbonne . . . Perhaps now 
— Bernard — if he is spared . . . 
\^A low shriek is heard and Marianne runs in, pale 
and breathless. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

What's the matter? What's happened? 

MARIANNE 

Nothing . . . I — stumbled — that's all — and dropped 
the candles . . . Bernard — (Bernard says nothing 
but stands holding the candles like one dazed). Here 
are all the candles we have in the house. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Light them all. 

[^Marianne brings a candelabra from the adjoining 
room, then a platter. She arranges the candles and 
lights them. 



PAWNS OF WAR 63 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

That's not so bad. Now bring a basin of water . . . 
and a decent bandage, Marianne. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

It's quiet as death here now . . . 
{Bernard starts violently. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Thank God! . . . then somebody can sleep . . . 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

My Chief of Staff can sleep, I tell you . . . He sleeps 

like a dead man. 

{Bernard is seen to be on the verge of collapse. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

You'll have to get some rest now with that. 
[Points to general's wrist. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Yes. I'll see my Chief first: then I'll turn in — at 
last. Well, let him sleep yet — a little while . . . 
{Marianne suppresses a low cry. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

What is it, Marianne? 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

The sight of blood, perhaps . . . 

MARIANNE 

No. I've grown used to the sight of blood since 
morning. Father . . . how can Mother sleep . . . how 
can she sleep — now.f^ 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Is she asleep ! ? 

MARIANNE 

Yes. 



64 PAWNS OF WAR 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

I gave her something to make her sleep. She couldn't 
go on that way. She'll be better when she wakes 
up m the morning. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN (listening) 

What's that noise? 
DR. ESTERLINCK {listening closely) 

Up toward the Square. It's nothing. Now — it's 
stopping . . . 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

In the trenches they drop down and sleep — sleep 
— shells flying right over their heads — sleep like 
dead men. 
[^Bernard and Marianne are tense and moveless. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Now — that will hold nicely till morning. Then I'll 
sew you up. Be careful not to let that bandage slip. 
GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN (to Marianne) 
You ought to be a nurse. 

MARIANNE 

I want to be a nurse. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

She's got one soldier to look after. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

It gives me great pleasure to be cared for — 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Yes, yes, you, too. General . . . But she's got one 
soldier to take care of for the rest of her life. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

The young lady is betrothed to a soldier? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

That's it, your Excellency. 



PAWNS OF WAR 65 

-T— — ^-^— ^— ^— ^— — — — ^— — — — — — — — ^— — — — ~— — 

MARIANNE (proudly) 

He's captain of his company. 
DR. ESTERLiNCK (under his breath) 

They pick off the officers first. 

MARIANNE 

What do you say, Father.? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Marianne — you go and call Ritta. 

MARIANNE 

Oh, Father, poor Ritta's tired — on the go all 
day long. Half the town's been here for something 
to eat. Poor things! It's little enough we could 
give them . . . But it keeps them from starving. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Then, Marianne, you must go into the kitchen and 
get a cup of coffee for the general. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Not at all — so much trouble — and so late. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

A cup of coffee will do you good. You are weaker 
than you think. Marianne! 

MARIANNE 

Yes, Father, with pleasure. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

I thank you very much, my young lady. 

MARIANNE 

In a few minutes now if the fire is good. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Should we not — perhaps — help you — with that fire? 

MARIANNE 

No, your Excellency . , . unless — Bernard will 
come — {mth significant appeal) Bernard ! . . . 



66 PAWNS OF WAR 

[^Bernard, who has withdrawn into the shadow, does 
not respond. There is silence in the room for half a 
minute — then Marianne returns. 
MARIANNE (standing in the dining room door) 

The coffee is still hot. Your orderly — in the yard 
— has just made himself fresh coffee. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Even that they can do at need — my good fellows. 
DR. ESTERLiNCK (wams Marianne with a look) 
I grudge no man food and drink. 

MARIANNE 

While it lasts, Father, while it lasts. 

\^She puts out most of the caiidles burning on the 

platter, and lifts the platter to carry it into the dining 

room. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

That is good German thrift. 

MARIANNE 

They may be needed to save some other person's 
life. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

It seems you have really saved my life, then . . . 
[He attempts to rise. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Go slow, your Excellency. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

And I shan't forget that in a hurry. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

It's my business to save life. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

I have only to look at my wrist. 



PAWNS OF WAR 67 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

The mark'll stay by you a good while, I'm afraid. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

At my age, I suppose so. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Pour the coffee, Marianne. (To the general) Come, 

let me help you into the dining room ... Or would 

you prefer to drink your coffee here.? 
BERNARD (in unconscious, terrified protest) 

Father! 

£At his tone the burgomaster crosses toward him. 
BERNARD {wUdly, in a whisper) 

No, no, no! 

MARIANNE 

The coffee is poured. 

[Dr. Esterlinck assists General von Wahlhayn to rise. 
GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN (standing alone. To Mari- 
anne) 

I make you my compliments. 
\jGeneral von Wahlhayn walks alone. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

How do you feel now? 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

You have made me very comfortable, you and the 
gnadiges Fraulein. I make you both my com- 
pliments. 

[The general follows Marianne into the dining room: 
the burgomaster is about to follow when Bernard stops 
him with a low half-articulate cry. 
DR. ESTERLINCK (to the general) 

K you will excuse me, your Excellency . . . one 
minute . . . (Dr. Esterlinck closes tJie door gently and 



68 PAWNS OF WAR 

turns to look after Bernard, who has retreated into the 

shadow again) Now — Bernard? . . . 

[_Both men move slowly into the candlelight. 
BERNARD {gasps, shuddering) 

Father! 
DR. ESTERLiNCK (looks to make sure that the door is 

closed) 

What is the matter with you? 

BERNARD 

Father . . . I — 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

You are white as a sheet. 
BERNARD (in a terrified whisper) 
Up-stairs — 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Up-stairs ... Go on. Why are you trembhng so? 

BERNARD 

S-s-s-h ! . . . Up-stairs — 

[Jle stops and listens fearfully to the sounds in the 

adjoining room. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Go on. What have you seen? 

BERNARD 

Up-stairs — near the landing — 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

What has happened here? 

BERNARD 

While you were — gone — 

[^Conversation between the general and Marianne sud- 
denly ceases. Bernard seems to lose his power of speech. 
DR. ESTERLINCK (sternly) 
Speak! Speak! 



PAWNS OF WAR 69 

BERNARD 

There ... at the head of the stairs . . . He was heavy 
to drag ... in the dark. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

What are you saying? 

BERNARD 

If — he — turns around — up there — with a light, 
— he will see him. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

What have you done? 

BERNARD 

There — on the landing — his Chief of Staff — 
DR. ESTERLINCK (starts in the direction of the halt) 
The Chief of Staff! . . . You — have — 
{Bernard silences his father with an imploring gesture. 

BERNARD 

Father — it — had — to — be. 
DR. ESTERLINCK {hoarscly) 
The — general — must — be — told. 

BERNARD 

It — had — to — be. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

It's all over with us. 

BERNARD 

No, no, not you! — not Mother! . . . not — 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

All — all of us . . . 

BERNARD 

All of us — Mother — Marianne . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

All of us. 



70 PAWNS OF WAR 

BERNARD 

He can't do it ... he canH. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Were you out of your senses . . . or . . . what? 

BERNARD 

Father, . . . listen ... I had to shoot him . . . He was 

following my sister. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Here — in my own house — the — 

BERNARD 

Must we all die.'' Father, must we all die — Mother 
. . . Marianne.? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Why not? Read the proclamation. It is posted 
everywhere. 

BERNARD 

You . . . Mother . . . Marianne . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

I gave him my word. 

BERNARD 

Father . . . forgive me . . . (In tones of mortal agony) 
Dear Lord Jesus, save my poor mother, save my 
little sister . . . 
DR. ESTERLINCK (with stem compassion) 

Be still, Bernard; we must take our medicine like 
men. 

BERNARD 

Forgive me, forgive me, Father. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

There is nothing to forgive. 

BERNARD 

Killed you — killed you all . . . 



PAWNS OF WAR 71 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

You did what you had to do. 

BERNARD 

To die — all of us . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

The general — must — be — told. 

[^The conversation in the dining room stops. The 

door opens. 

BERNARD 

Now , . . now . . . he's coming! 
\\Marianne and the general enter. 
DR. ESTERLINCK (calmly to Marianne) 

Go to your room, Marianne. (She hesitates and 
looks from her father to Bernard) Don't be afraid . . . 

MARIANNE 

I'm not afraid, Father . . . 
GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN (wheu Marianne has gone) 
A beautiful young girl ! 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

And good as she is beautiful . . . (Looking fixedly at 
Bernard) And brave as she is good. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

That may well be. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

General von Wahlhayn ... I — 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

And now will you have the goodness to wake up 
my Chief of Staff.? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

General . . . I . . . cannot waken him . . . 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

How so? How so? 



72 PAWNS OF WAR 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

General, your Chief of Staff . . . has been shot ... I — 

BERNARD 

I — / shot him . . . He was following my sister. 
(Under his breath) Dear Lord Jesus . . . save my 
mother . . . save my sister. 

CURTAIN 



THE THIRD ACT 

Scene is the same as in Acts I and II 

MARIANNE 

Shot! . . . shot! ... At dawn . . . 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Was I asleep.^ . . . oh, yes — now I remember . . . 
And I dreamed ... Or — was I asleep? 

MARIANNE 

Yes, Mother, you were asleep. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Well, then ... I dreamed — that we were in this 
room together — you and I — all alone — and it 
was morning . . . 
MARIANNE {fearfully) 

Do you know what's going to happen in the morning. 
Mother? 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

It was morning — and I called your father . . . He 
didn't come . . . Nor Bernard . . . But Baldwin — {Her 
face lights up happily) Baldwin heard me . . . He 
answered me . . . He came . . . 
MARIANNE {grips her mother's hands) 
Your hands are so cold . . . Mother! 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

He has never been away from home so long before 
. . . He was hungry — was my boy . . . And he 
wanted his coffee . . I got out his old cup with the 
hunter on it . . , He always called it a soldier . . . 
[^Suddenly she falls silent. 



74 PAWNS OF WAR 

MARIANNE 

Mother ... do you think it's going to happen . . . 
really.^ 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

And I was so happy when he gave up the notion of 
being a soldier, and promised Papa to study and 
go to the Sorbonne . . .I've put his clean clothes on 
the chair . . . My little Baldwin! . . . home at last! 
. . . And I got out his cup . . . and then — I woke 
up — and . . . (She lookes around her in a dazed way) 
He isn't here at all . . . He isn't home at all. . . 

MARIANNE 

Oh, Mother, it's not true that we're going to be 
shot at dawn . . . shot ! At dawn ! Mother ! . . . Are 
we.^* ... If there's a God in Heaven, we can't be . . . 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

They don't care for God in Heaven when there's 
war . . . He was standing right there . . . and then, 
I woke up . . . 

MARIANNE 

We'll soon be with Baldwin now. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

When my boys were little, I planned a great future 
for them . . . Baldwin was all for war — 

MARAINNE 

The sky's getting lighter . . . 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Always drums and a soldier suit ... I thought per- 
haps — some day — he might be a great general . . . 
Or a Chief of Staff . . . What is it about the Chief 
of Staff, Marianne . . . ? 



PAWNS OF WAR 75 

MARIANNE {at the window) 

Paul's fighting for us . . . He won't know . . . 

MKS. ESTERLINCK 

I planned a great future for my boys. Marianne will 
make a fine match — the daughter of a surgeon — and 
the burgomaster — the burgomaster's daughter. 

MARIANNE 

We'll be shot . . . and Paul won't know . . . 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

I've tried to be a good mother ... It isn't easy. Boys 
will be boys. They're good boys, too . . . Why are 
we waiting here? . . . Father was always fondest of 
the girl — you, Marianne . . . But proud of the boys! 
— Great, big, strapping boys! 

MARIANNE 

It'll soon be all over for us. Mother . . . Poor Father ! 
MRS. ESTERLINCK (mechanically) 

Poor Father! . . . 
MARIANNE (putting her arms around her mother) 

We won't be parted . . . we'll all be together ... at 

the last. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

At the last . . . 

MARIANNE 

Mother, why do you look so — Don't you under- 
stand.? They're going to shoot us . . . Father and 
Bernard and you and me, your poor Marianne . . . 
And Paul will five and marry some one else . . . 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

No, no, no, not you . . . not Bernard . . . Father 
and I — together . . . But we must look after the 
children ... we must look after them. 



76 PAWNS OF WAR ^ 

MARIANNE 

I shall never see Paul again . , . Mother — give me 
your hand . . . Mother — are you afraid?. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

We must look after our children. We must see 
that they are safe. 
MARIANNE {lifting the curtain) 

Mother — the stars are all gone — only one left in 
the sky — 'way over there — in the east — a light is 
breaking through . . . Mother — are you afraid.? . . . 
Mother — speak to me . . . Mother — is it the dawn? 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

It's not going to happen. God won't let such a 
thing happen. 

MARIANNE 

What do they care for God, — these generals who 
order girls shot! Think of Leonie! For hours and 
hours she stayed in that empty house, telephoning 
to our people. She was only seventeen. . . But they 
shot her . . . I'm thinking of her now, Mother ... I 
want to think of her. She was not afraid. She 
stood up like a queen, and they shot her through 
the heart . . . Do they always shoot through the 
heart. Mother? 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Hush, Marianne! They'll hear you and take you 

away from me . . . 

\^A cock crows. 
MRS. ESTERLINCK (looks out of the v)indow) 

Old Tip is crowing . . . now it's coming — 
MARIANNE (fearfully, closing her eyes) 

The dawn! . . . 



PAWNS OF WAR 77 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Why are we not sleeping in our beds like Christians? 
. . . The house is so still . . , like death . . . Listen! 
. . . The birds are beginning to sing. 

MARIANNE 

Mother ... I can't bear it — never to hear the birds 
sing in the yard again . . . never to see another day 
... I'll go to the general . . .I'll beg the general to 
let us live ... on my knees . . . 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Yes, yes, he mustn't harm Bernard . . . One is enough. 
They mustn't take Bernard, too. 

MARIANNE 

What have we done ....'' Our people are peaceful. 
We only ask to be let alone. And these strange 
soldiers come along and drive us into our graves . . . 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Ritta is making the coffee ... It smells good, doesn't 
it, Marianne? 

MARIANNE 

Mother! . . . Look at me . . . Do you forget? 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

The clock is running down. I forgot to wind it . . . 

So much trouble. 

\^Mrs. Esterlinck presses her hand to her head. 

MARIANNE 

Poor Mother! 

[^She kisses her mother. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Call your father, Marianne . . . Bring Papa here . . . 
MARIANNE (rattling the door knob) 
They have locked the door. 



78 PAWNS OF WAR 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

Why have they locked the door? 
MARIANNE (shaking the door) 

Open this door! Open . . . 
MRS. ESTERLINCK (not raising her voice) 
Papa! . . . Bernard! . . . Come! 
man's voice (the other side of the door) 

Was gibfs? 

MARIANNE 

Open that door. (Wildly) Open it! Open it! 
[^The door is opened suddenly, and Marianne starts 
out of the room. The guard blocks her way. 

GUARD 

It is forbidden. 

MARIANNE 

I want my father — my brother . . . 

GUARD 

It is forbidden. 

MARIANNE 

My mother here — she wants to see them . . . We 
must see them . . . speak to them . . . 

GUARD 

It is forbidden. 

MARIANNE 

My own father! In our own house! (Trying to 
push past the guard) Let me pass . . . 

GUARD 

It is forbidden. 

MARIANNE 

Who are you to forbid us — anything — here — in 
our own house . . . My own brother . . . 



PAWNS OF WAR 79 

]VmS. ESTERLINCK 

My son . . . my husband — the burgomaster . . . 
[^Marianne tries to get through the door. 

MARIANNE (calls OUt) 

Father! . . . Bernard! 
]^The guard pushes her hack again. 
GUARD (stolidly) 
It is forbidden. 

MARIANNE 

Why doesn't God strike you dead? 

A man's voice 

Die Damen trinken jetzt Kaffee. 

GUARD 

Ach, so! (Takes Marianne and her mother by the 
arm) Die Damen trinken jetzt Kaffee. The ladies 
shall now drink their coffee. 
\^Marianne tries to free herself from his hold. 

MRS. ESTERLINCK 

No, no, Marianne — don't! He might hurt you. 
\_The guard half-carries Marianne into the dining 
room. Mrs. Esterlinck follows passively. A small 
detachment of German soldiers marches by singing: 



l^^^^S^^rf 



In der Hei - mat, in der Hei-mat, da gibts ein Wie-der pehn 
In the home land, in the home land, there we shall meet a - gain 

Dr. Esterlinck enters accompanied by General von 
Wahlhayn. He listens to the words of the song, sets 
his teeth together, terribly shaken. 

DR. esterlinck 

God! 



80 PAWNS OF WAR 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

If it were only myself . . . But my duty, Dr. Ester- 
linck . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Do what you must. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

My honor — 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Only — get it over with — quickly ! 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

If there is anything — {Dr. Esterlinck starts as though 
to speak, stops and closes his eyes a few seconds) — any- 
thing — at all possible — that I can do . . . 
DR. ESTERLINCK {quietly as though to himselj) 

Twenty-four hours ago this was a peaceful village; 
life wasn't such a bad business ... I had plans . . . 
Now - — my wife — my children . . . {He is unable 
to go on for a minute and they stand together in silence.) 
Now our people are homeless — the town is choked 
with blood . . . My youngest lies — {His voice fails 
for the second time) And now — the one boy left 
me — he, too ! . . . My wife ! ... And my girl ! Your 
Excellency — it is horrible . . . Must they — they, 
too ... ? 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Dr. Esterlinck, I owe you my life — and if it were 
mine to give — you should go — unharmed — you and 
yours; but my life is not my own; it is pledged to the 
honor of the Fatherland; I am general of the Sixteenth 
Division; the order has been given; the proclamation 
is posted on your walls; my Chief of Staff has been 
shot down in this house; there is no way out. 



PAWNS OF WAR 81 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Shoot me. I ask nothing for myself. Shoot me. 
I am ready . . . And my boy — if you must . . . But 
my poor wife ! . , . My girl ! Put yourself in my place; 
if it were your wife, your Excellency — if it were 
your daughter; if you had a daughter like mine . . . 
Your Excellency — can you find it — in your 
heart — to have them — 
[He breaks down, groaning. 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN (suddenly makes a tremen- 
dous decision) 

No, no. Dr. Esterlinck, not your wife and daughter 
... I couldn't . . . No, no! Dr. Esterhnck, your 
wife and daughter! — they are safe! 

DR. ESTERLINCK {in a horrible revulsion oj joy) 
A-h-h ! . . . Thank you, General . . . 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

I'll take you in to them . . . You can tell them — 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

No. No. Don't do that , . . They couldn't stand it 
. . . Afterward — tell them — why ... I mustn't 
make it harder for them . . . 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

Whatever I can do . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Perhaps it would be better to take them along . . . 
Who know^s how long they'll have a crust to eat 
— or a roof over their heads . . . 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

The house shan't be harmed. I'll see that they're 

cared for. 

[Sound of many footsteps approaching. 



82 PAWNS OF WAR 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

They're coming . . . 

GENERAL VON WAHLHAYN 

They're brmgmg in your son . . . You'll have some- 
thing to say to him. 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Yes. He's so young. He doesn't want to — die. 
That's natural. All his life I've been getting him 
ready to live. I must help him now. {General von 
Wahlhayn stands at attention and salutes Dr. Ester- 
linck, resting his heavy helmet against his wounded 
wrist. As the general passes out) Be careful of your 
wound. 
\_Guards bring Bernard into the room and withdraw. 

BERNARD 

Father — is it — now.^* 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

Yes, my son, when I have spoken to you ... a 
minute . . . 

BERNARD 

Will they take us — all together — IVIother — Mari- 
anne.'' 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

No . . . not Mother and Marianne . . . The general 
— has — promised to look after — them. 

BERNARD 

I want to see them, Father : I want to say good-by . . . 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

It won't help, Bernard. You couldn't stand it. 
The general will tell them — afterward. 

BERNARD 

Father — if the first fire — should miss? 



PAWNS OF WAR 83 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

It won't miss . . . There'll be ten of them. 

BERNARD 

Will they blindfold us? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

They always do. 

BERNARD 

Father . . . you'll be with me? 

DR. ESTERLINCK 

I'll be with you — all through. 

[The guard has opened the door. Dr. Esterlinck bows 
silently and leads Bernard out of the room. Their foot- 
steps die away. Mrs. Esterlinck and Marianne are 
brought back into the living room. 
MARIANNE (to the guard) 

Aren't they going to — take — us — soon — now? 

GUARD 

No. 

MARIANNE 

Where are they — my father — my brother? When 
are they coming? (The guard goes out. There is 
the sound of the key turning in the lock. Sound out- 
side of feet tramping. Marianne springs up and 
runs to the window) Father! Bernard! Mother! 
They're going to be shot . . . They're going to be shot. 
(She falls back as though about to swoon. Rushing 
wildly back to the window again) Devils! Devils! 
You shall not murder them! 
[One volley. 

MARIANNE 

Father! . . . Dear Father! . . . Bernard! . . . Brother! 
(The mother has become rigid. Gradually she re- 



PAWNS OF WAR 



taxes into a strange passivity. Marianne, heating 
against the door) Father! . . . Bernard! Can you 
hear me? {She falls at her mother's side. Second 
volley. Mariaime raises herself to her knees) They're 
gone . . . gone . . . both gone . . . 
[^Marianne on her knees moans bitterly and sways 
from side to side with clasped hands lifted as though 
in prayer. 
MRS. ESTERLiNCK (iu a strangely calm, unmoved even 
tone) I would like to speak to your father a minute, 
Marianne. 

B£ARIANNE 

Mother . . . don't you know.'* . . . Father's . . . gone . . . 
(She tries to stifle her agony) Father! Bernard! 
Gone! 
MRS. ESTERLINCK (same tone) 

Marianne, call him. (Marianne does not move. 
After a moment's silence) Bernard will call him . . . 
Where is Bernard? Why does Bernard stay away 
so long? (Her voice sinks) Perhaps they have 
found Baldwin . . . They are bringing Baldwin 
home. Let us get the bed ready for Baldwin. 

MARIANNE 

Mother . . . love me . . . Take me in your arms . . . I'm 
all you've got now . . . your poor Marianne . . . 
Mother, love me . . . You're the only one to love 
me. 

[^She weeps. 
MRS. ESTERLINCK (a little qucrulous) 

Why are you crying? See! You are spotting my 
silk gown — my new black silk gown . , . (Like 
one stunned, putting her hands to her head) Is it 



PAWNS OF WAR 85 

Sunday, Marianne? Or why am I wearing my new 
black silk gown? 

MARIANNE 

Oh, my God, Mother! . . . Don't you remember? 
. . . Mother! . . . Mother! (She lays both her hands 
on her mother's shoulders) Don't you remember? 
(She shakes her mother) Don't you remember? . . . 
They've killed them — Baldwin, Father, and Ber- 
nard! (Wildly, gripping her mother's arm) You 
must remember . . . You shall remember . . . Look at 
me! . . . Look at me! . . . (She raises her mother's 
face and stares into the strangely passive eyes with 
their set pupils. Then, terrified beyond human 
endurance) Mother, speak to me . . . speak! 
[_She falls away and shrieks at the unearthly calm oj 
her mother's faint, slaw smile. 
MRS. ESTERLiNCK (pats Marianne gently) 

There! . . . There! They'll be home soon now and 
everything will be all right. 

THE END 



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